Ur videos are giving me the confidence to go full force in the ST field and become a CSFA! I love the OR dynamic so much, and I can't wait to start my ST Program!!!
Currently an endoscopic sterile processing tech, and was recently accepted into the new surg tech program, I start may 17th, everything is being paid for but had to sign a 1 year agreement as well, excited for the new challenge
I’m going to start my externship in CST school by the middle of next year..being a first assist would definitely be something I’d have interest in as quickly as possible, how much experience in the OR should I get before going back to school for this?
I’ve worked as a medical device rep for 16 years. I’ve seen techs make absolute bank. It’s a great job. Anyone on the fence - I’ve seen techs make $75k+ working the same hours. Looks like an awesome job honestly. I’d do it, FOR SURE, if sales doesn’t workout somehow
Great video. Just realized this was a career option. My bachelors is in history, which not surprisingly is useless, but I was a surgical tech in the Air Force for 4 years.The local school has the option and it doesn't matter what your BA is in. So I'm going to head down that path!
Well done. I am a CST and have been “assisting” as a CST for the last 17 years, reimbursement has always been a issue for a CSTFA in most states including the one that I’m in, this has been discouraging for techs to peruse a CFA due to 3rd party billing. There are now new considerations in hospitals regarding a CSTFA ( now known as a CFA) that encourages me to to enroll in a CFA program. Regards
So bro.. can u help me out.. i'm senior and im thinking of taking Surgical tech.. but idk where to start.. the only thing on my mind right now is going to Community college..
Hey!!! Congrat! I'm working on my First Assist Certification now. I'm not finished with the clinicals. I don't know many cst to cfa. Keep up the great!
Many congratulations to you in advancing your career. You are a natural speaker and, I believe, since I think I heard you say you edited your own videos, an ace videographer/editor. I am a hard ass when it comes to the language and errors in grammar, and I can say you have not made any errors in your use of the language to date! A few of your abbreviations specific to your craft did send me opening up a new page and searching for "cabbage" and "fem pops," but since Google knows my interests in all things medical, it gave me quick medical definitions. Keep up these sessions. They are invaluable to those pursuing tech positions in medicine.
Are you sure you're not an English major? 😄 Thank you for the kind words on my videos, I do strive to keep my focus on the camera lens and i'm glad it translates well on screen. You are correct in that this is a one man show in the video/editing process, all self taught over the past year or so just fooling around, glad people are enjoying the videos. Get used to the use of acronyms the medical field is just packed full of them!
My husband just got handed the same thing you did from the COO, Medical Officer (one of the heart surgeons he works with currently) and CEO of the hospital he’s at here in Utah. He’s waiting for his approval from meridian now. He’s been a scrub for 19 years and has been on the cardio/vascular team for the last 7 years. We’re excited and nervous for the opportunity. Thanks for the info. It seems like it is very similar to your situation. Surgeon support, paid for his hours. We’ll see how pans out.
Great, informative video. I am a 27 yr veteran CST and I absolutely love it. After hearing about the CFA program, I am excited to see there is more we Techs can do to assist the surgeons. Any other tips you think of regarding suturing, sewing, knot tying, accountability, insurance......anything you want to share, please do. I know we will all appreciate it. And, thanks again.
I'm currently a Medical Assistant for a pain management Doctor. Just last week he let me observe in the O/R a couple of implant surgeries and epidural injections. This was just so awesome, the feeling you get just being in there is unlike anything! I have one more prerequisite class to complete before I can apply to the CST program. Keep posting your videos man! They are very educational and get me excited to become a CST and I know for sure that I will move forward to a CSFA!
I’m thinking about enrolling in a surgical tech program for a career change. But I’m 32 and have tons of bills and a mortgage and need to work full time throughout school. Is it possible? I heard the school schedule is very demanding like nursing school and working full time (or at all) isn’t recommended. Is this true? Can you make a video on ST schooling!? :-)
Hi I was wondering if people with surgical technician certifications could become surgical assistants without an associates degree specific in surgical tech. Is a certification enough? Thank you
Question. I do apologize if i missed the part pertaining to my following question but did you have to acquire a bachelors degree to be accepted into the position of a first assistant?
One of the best things I ever did. I enjoy being g a CSFA. I went through the Madisonville program. I’m also lucky that my hospital created a position for me once I finished it.
My exam was almost 2 years ago. I downloaded the NBSTSA app and took the study exams. But honestly, the study material from the program is what helped me the most. Definitely keep all of your notes and study them well for your test.
@@samhernandez91 can you share if you’re able to do billing for the cases your on? Or is it just an hourly wage? I’m a CST in Washington state and I’ll have to move to be a CSFA but I’m looking into it
I’ve worked as a scrub tech in the past specifically in after hours emergency c-sections. I had ojt training because I was also a nationally registered paramedic. I ended up getting out of the medical field for the last 10 years. Medicine is in my blood and although I made much more money outside of being a medic, I really missed it. I’m really considering a cst program with the absolute intention on becoming a first assistant. I’m a cardiac guy… I’ve always wanted to be a PA in interventional cardiology but that has passed with time. I would love some advice on being a first assist with a cvor specialization. Any advice on reaching the cvor specialty? Thx in advance
There is a community college in lincoln nebraska in my homestate that offers both surgical tech 2 year schooling and a 9 month certified first assistant programs, doing both sounds really cool and can be good experience if you want to have surgery experience and also if you want to eventually go to school to become a PA or full on doctor plus the CSFA licensing would give you a pay raise I'm assuming, so I might wanna do that or I might just want to become a respiratory therapist.
This is an inspirational journey. I am an OR Nurse, and I just arrived here in US. After passing the NCLEX, I wanted to take the RN First Assist certification, but it requires me to be a CNOR and employed. As of the moment, I am not licensed yet here in my current state. So, I want to know how long does it take to be a CST for a BSN graduate?
Great videos! I have been a cst for 6 years now. Absolutely love my job. I have always wanted to go further in my schooling. I don't think CSFA's are recognize in New Jersey tho? Where are you located?
Not in SC, either. I'm an RN. I scrubbed, circulated and assisted. We would take turns. Some days, I may be the only RN assigned to my room, so I had to circulate. It definitely made switching call around easier.
Hi there! I'm a nursing student just dying to graduate and get into an OR as fast as possible... on that note, I would love to work in the OR for two years and then move along into a RNFA program. I have a few questions! Do you think I could possibly complete a program from a different state? What is the limit of hands-on experience you get with this type of qualification? And, if you don't mind me asking, how much of a salary increase has it been for you? Thank you for making this video. I've been skimming around for first assist information, and this helped greatly!
I did all of my schooling out of state, so it worked fine. So long that you have a local hospital that is willing to partner up with your schooling and allow you to log cases there, shouldn't be an issue. Pay varies from whether you go independent or stay working for a hospital. If you stay with a hospital, expect around a $5/hr increase from your previous pay as a nurse. You can make a lot more joining a private assisting group or going independent.
I'm in a CST program and I've had so many questions on how to go from that to a CFA. Ever since I decided to do CST I've always had the intention of furthering my education and becoming a CFA. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us all!
Great channel, just ran across yours. You have a very good delivery method and can tell the enthusiasm you Have! Becoming an FA, you probably can relate to why some surgeons are stressed to the max at times.
So cool news, Collin College in Texas (north of Dallas) is getting a CSFA program in the Fall. I'm currently a CST student there and plan to attend the CSFA school after the required 2 years experience.
I used to live in Addison now I’m in NY and found out about this program in Collin. Now I plan on moving back. Are CSFA used a lot in Dallas? NY only allows for PA’s.
My school starts a FA program next year. I plan after I get my CST to work a year and get as many good cases as possible and get into the FA program. Thanks for this video!
New subscriber I'm thinking about doing this than the BSN I was thinking about this seems more interesting being in the surgical room I want something exciting and fascinating intriguing and this may be it, so does this fall under associates degree in science? And do you take Nclex? Or what testing? And was it difficult Nursing is very difficult but can be done.
I’m late to this but I hope you see it, so how would my process for becoming a FA be different from yours if I’m coming from a standard BSN RN background ??
I'm having trouble deciding which FA program to apply. Is there a difference between SA-C and CSFA? Is one better than the other? Also how much does it matter if the program is approved by ABSA or NSAA? Are they all equally good or do some provide better job offers after graduation than others?
Hey if you don't mind me asking, was there a significant pay increase becoming a certified first assist? Around here certified surgical technologist make around $20hr, how much do you make as a csfa?
After working as a surgical tech and surgical first assistant, do you plan on continuing your education to become a physician assistant or a full fledged specialist doctor?
Thanks a lot for giving us your valuable insight into this field! Im starting a ST program in August. If you can remember, Any tips on how you made it through clinicals? What is the key to locking down procedures needed to be known? Most importantly, what is the day to day like for you? (when u just scrubbed primarily , from scrubbing in to setting up the next case). Thanks again for taking the time out to share, really helpful!
Aaronn Shaw my one big tip for your clinicals is to bring a small Notepad to have on hand for quick notes. Also after every day I would go home and write out everything I could remember about the procedures I did, not only the instruments used, but when, why, and where the surgeon was using them. Setting up a case is 10% of our job. The other 90% is in the cases we do. Always be eager to learn more, NEVER say "I know". Be a total sponge. As far as the day to day work, the simple version is set up a case, wait for the surgeon, do the case, breakdown, rinse and repeat.
Is it possible to be a surgical tech and go to college? I want to be a surgeon but I also want a job in the medical field before medical school. I have probably 4-5 years til med school.
Hello. I study at a surgical technologist program online at MedCert. It's only 18 weeks. Before I studied at the LPN program for one semester. I work at Mercy Hospital in Florida. Now it's everything online. I'm a little bit worried about clinical experience. What to do?
After becoming a CSFA, how else can I further my education? In your words, “step up” from CSFA. What recommendations do you have? I love learning and very intrigued by the profession.
Hi Shane can you make a video about the other surgical assistant programs like ACE, rasa and surgical skillz is it worth it ? Or is meridian the way to go ? Thanks !
I do not know much about any of the other programs, but if those programs contact me for some reason to get there word out I would be happy to do a little interview with them to inform everyone interested.
Thank you for your truths. I am signing up soon. I am a traveling CST and will be taking the online course. A little premature.....any tips on studying for the exam?
So in my place of employment, we will call it a NY based ortho only elective facility connected to a major Hospital, we have what they call 2nd assists. They position,place tourniquet , dislocate joint(hip), retract, suction, cauterize instrument in surgeon hand, hold/pull, tie suture (not suture only PA/Resident/Surgeon can do that), place dressing , and assist surgeon during case with instrumentation advice and equipment advice. We also have a clinical ladder associated with the 2nd assist. We have Tech I, Tech II, and Tech III. Tech I is anyone starting to being there 30+ yrs who haven’t applied for Tech II or III. Tech II is a Tech who has applied for Tech II position who has years of experience as well as expertise in an area. Tech III are typically 2nd assist and are techs who work 90% of the time with joint replacement surgeons and surgeries. There is no need for second assist in spine procedures there is already a PA/Fellow/Resident and ST on the case. You can be a 2nd assist if you are a Tech I or II only if you go thru a 2 week training(on the job) course. You also get an additional $2/hr for 2nd assist that day or however long you are 2nd assisting. If you are a III tho, you don’t get extra because your title and promotion comes with a significant raise. A good loophole would be to be a Tech II and second assist when needed and bank the extra $ without committing to 2nd assisting. My question to you is: Can you bill as a First assist? My second question is: Was there a significant increase in your salary from being a CST to a CFA? My third question is complicated: If I alone am moving to Florida to work in a facility while my wife remains in NYC to finish out her required years for her pension/benifits, can I get top pay for my experience? If I make 95k in NY and I want minimum, 75k in Florida, do I have a negotiating chance of getting that if I don’t take benifits (I’m under my wife in medical anyway)? What if I ask for per deium pay but work full time hours? Or ask for Travelers rates without being attached to an agency and sign a yearly contract? Would I be able to get close to 75k in Florida if I tried these things?
Hello. I’m on the fence about becoming a CST, and I was just wondering could you please answer one question for me as honest possible. WHY did you become a CST in the first place? Hopefully you come across this, and I thank you so much for all your content. It has been very informative.
Without being going into too much detail. My first inclination that I wanted to pursue a medical career started in high school when I took my first A/P class. Absolutely loved learning about the human body. Went to Nursing school and ended up dropping out because I didn't like it. The spark to join the medical field came back when I had a family member get sick, and needed open heart surgery, shortly after that I found surgical technology, went to school for it, scored a job at a hospital and worked my butt of learning as much as I could.
I’m confused bcuz I’m doing research on a surgical first assistant but isn’t that the same as a physician assistant? Can you help me out? And also does every state recognize that. I’m in New York btw.
Where did you complete your schooling? I wanted to go the traditional route and enroll in a 2 year community college to obtain an associates degree and be able to further my education by doing so at a CC. All I'm finding in my area are technical schools who's credits aren't transferable to CC's. Would you recommend focusing on an associates degree or is a certificate sufficient enough?
+Eric Ramirez when I went to school almost 10 years ago there was only one technical certificate school available in my area. It does seem that more and more schools are going the AAS route and it may be a requirement sometime in the future, that's just a guess though. Presently, I haven't heard of a hospital paying a tech more for an AAS degree vs certificate, the only real benefit would be to eventually use that degree to become a medical sales rep if that is your end game.
Hi , I know I am years late lol but I am currently in school to be a CST . However my goal is to eventually be a FA . I’ve heard people say you could not get into the program until after being a CST for atleast 5 years ? I would like to expand much faster than that , if possible . Maybe a year or two from now .would you recommend that ,with your experience ? I understand that the experience and knowing the ins and outs is crucial before becoming a FA but I would like to know if it is possible to go straight into school for a FA faster than 3 -5 years
You can apply to CSFA school right after you get your CST if that is your main goal. The experience you get in the field working as a CST helps a ton in your education as an FA though and I would suggest to go full time CST for at least a year. Salary is pretty variable depending on whether you are going to stay employed at a hospital or go solo and work directly with doctors billing insurance companies. You can expect a 25-50% increase in your salary as a CST maybe more in some circumstances.
Hey I'm a 48 yr old Male. My roomate is a neurosurgeon resident and he knows my live for medicine. Do you think a person of my age should pursue a career as a first assist. Thanks for your advice.
Hello I’m a senior and I want to be first surgical assistant in pediatric only and I got questions are you allow to wear white coats and will I be in pediatric
What are the major differences between CSFA and RNFA? What are the different career pathways for each? Do you recommend one pathway over the other coming from a CST background?
How things have changed. My own Professor told me that he was already certified by two boards in surgery before his professor and chairman asked him to be his first assistant. Even then he was criticized for minute aspects of his technique. As a result, he was a perfectionist. He had his own surgical tech., who was also very impressive.
I want to apply for a surgical tech program. I wish I knew of this before. Becuase I just graduated with my associates in science earlier this spring. Will surgical tech be an additional 2 more years? The reason I want to do this so after I continue on towards becoming a PA. I want to use surgical tech as work experience to get into my the program. Ps: I am very interested in surgery :)
Hoda M You're going to have to take a surgical tech associates program. You may be able to supplement a few of the courses & transfer some of your credits over, however there will still be ST classes for specialty, clinical hours, & externships so you'll probably only shave off a few weeks worth of schooling.
Im thinking of doing the csfa even though my hospital doesnt utilize them other than help close. (Too many residents and pa's) When you say that you can help out in recovery and icu what exactly are you able to do there.
hey! i am now finishing my 4 years bsc programme in nursing (greece) and i just wanted to ask you can i go straight for a msc to become a csfa or i must work as a scrub nurse for some years? btw great channel ;)
Hi ,i am a surgical tech student in tunisia i would like to know if there is a possibility to have a training in your contry after my graduation ,by the way here in tunisia we get graduated after 3 years of training and studies
+Tiffany Pipicelli we had two FA's that helped out in robotic surgeries, and two NP's and a PA that helped in hearts. I have worked closely with all of them, and they have all assisted in my transformation into the FA world.
Thank you so much for all of these videos and answering everyone's questions! They give amazing insight into things I've been trying to find out about being a Surgical Tech. Feel free to not answer if this is too personal, but did you get a raise when you went from CST to CSFA? And by how much? I'm really interested in surgery and want to become a surgical tech, and then possibly go into CSFA and then become an actual surgeon if that's possible. Thanks :)
In order to become a PA you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and then apply to an accredited PA program. After completion of the PA program you will have to take the national cert (and possibly state cert if i'm not mistaken). Then you can call yourself a PA. Unfortunately the only way CST or FA experience will help with your path to PA is fulfilling the required experience prior to application.
Angela Torres PA programs are typically graduate programs nowadays. Due to the massive increase in people wanting to becoming PAs, the schools want you to have already worked in the medical field. Let me tell you, though- the curriculum for PA is super intense. Science based undergrad, on top of the PA program itself. Nursing is much easier (food for thought), unless you’re talking about NP, which NP and PA are pretty much on par with each other.
Plz answer my question. .. is it very hard to find a job for surgical techs without experience..?. I live in Chicago and I would love 2 go for surgical tech . But sometimes I feel so down reading that it's so hard to find a job in this field when u dont have the experience
That goes with any job really. Sometimes it can be hard to get your foot in the door, or you may have to take a job you might not really want first thing to position yourself into what you really want in the near future. From what I have seen out in Nevada, students have not had a hard time with finding jobs right out of school.
Hi greetings from Venezuela! I'm a general surgeon in my country and I'm thinking to move on to USA. Do you think I'd me be a possibility to became surgical assistance without been tech? You think there's a chance to get the degree? Or apply to the program? Thanks
I love your videos! I'm applying for the Surgical Tech program at Contra Costa Medical Career College in Antioch (Bay Area). You've said you're in California, where exactly? I live in Roseville (Sacramento area). Have you heard of Contra Costa Med Career College? And where did you go to school to become a First Assistant? Thanks!!
I haven't had to deal with ACE before, I replied to another question similar to this in the comments. If ACE wants to do some sort of interview video with me I would be more than happy to oblige to get more information out there.
Tell me if this is worth it. I am currently in college getting my basics done and I am currently trying to get a job as a CNA(getting into the class) and I want to do that while I am getting my basics done. After getting my basics done a want to go to school to become a surgical tech and do that for a while and maybe become a first assist but I want to get into nursing school to get a license as an RN/BSN that works in the OR. I want to do it this way to get more experience in the OR. I love watching surgeries and anything medical. I truthfully want to be a surgeon but I want to experience the OR as much as I can to make sure I can handle it or that it is truly the job for me.
If getting into the OR first just to see how you like it is your first goal, I would say get your CST first. That way once you're in the field you will have a better understanding of all of the "roles" in the OR to help make your decision of whether or not to go on to nursing school, or possibly medical school. CNA would be a waste of time because that role has nothing to do with the OR. Also if you're employed at a hospital as a CST and figure out you want to go on to get your RN, tons of hospitals have education help programs and could possibly pay for 70-100% of the additional schooling.
Not sure if you already did a vid about this, but whats the difference between a tech and a first ass. ? We dont have these thing in Sweden, we have OR-Assistant (=surgical tech i guess) And the rest are the surgeon ofc, anesthesia nurse/dr and an OR nurse.
I will have to do a video on this soon, but in short. First assistant can do everything a Surgical tech can do, but they can also perform surgery under the direction of the surgeon. Staple, suture, cut, and so on.
+anthony mueller vein harvesting can be done in any state that allows CSFA's to operate. The FA you work with has it in their scope of practice, but maybe the PA's or other assists in the heart group will not allow it and do not want to teach it.
I just got accepted into my CST program and my end goal is to become a FA. Your videos are incredibly helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Any update? I’m in school now get my CST
@@etskims how is school
same, pls give us an update! I'm still taking pre-reqs so I'm not even in the program yet :/
What is the salary difference of a CST and CSFA? Also do you have to do your own billing?
Ur videos are giving me the confidence to go full force in the ST field and become a CSFA! I love the OR dynamic so much, and I can't wait to start my ST Program!!!
Currently an endoscopic sterile processing tech, and was recently accepted into the new surg tech program, I start may 17th, everything is being paid for but had to sign a 1 year agreement as well, excited for the new challenge
I'm inspired I'm going for it
That's awesome! Great to hear :D
I want to as well
Get after it. For sure
I’m going to start my externship in CST school by the middle of next year..being a first assist would definitely be something I’d have interest in as quickly as possible, how much experience in the OR should I get before going back to school for this?
I’ve worked as a medical device rep for 16 years. I’ve seen techs make absolute bank. It’s a great job. Anyone on the fence - I’ve seen techs make $75k+ working the same hours. Looks like an awesome job honestly. I’d do it, FOR SURE, if sales doesn’t workout somehow
Can you make just ss much as a medical device rep?
@@therooster191 you can make much much more as a rep.
Do you make more money as a sales rep? I’m trying to decide between the two! I hear getting the rep position is very competitive though !
Great video. We need more 1st Assist vids out there. My GF is an Open Heart RN and former 1st Assist. Words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.
How does it work in USA? Do you have nurses in OR? or Surgical techs?
Absolutely! I'm an RN and worked in the OR for 16 years. I scrubbed, assisted and circulated. There are CSTs, too.
My husband is best friends with the Stovers, the president of Meridian. They are the ones that talked me into going to school to be a surgical tech :)
Great video. Just realized this was a career option. My bachelors is in history, which not surprisingly is useless, but I was a surgical tech in the Air Force for 4 years.The local school has the option and it doesn't matter what your BA is in. So I'm going to head down that path!
Cant you teach history with that major
Where is the school located?
👍
Well done. I am a CST and have been “assisting” as a CST for the last 17 years, reimbursement has always been a issue for a CSTFA in most states including the one that I’m in, this has been discouraging for techs to peruse a CFA due to 3rd party billing. There are now new considerations in hospitals regarding a CSTFA ( now known as a CFA) that encourages me to to enroll in a CFA program.
Regards
So bro.. can u help me out.. i'm senior and im thinking of taking Surgical tech.. but idk where to start.. the only thing on my mind right now is going to Community college..
Hey!!! Congrat! I'm working on my First Assist Certification now. I'm not finished with the clinicals. I don't know many cst to cfa. Keep up the great!
I've been told that most go from CST to CFA.
Many congratulations to you in advancing your career. You are a natural speaker and, I believe, since I think I heard you say you edited your own videos, an ace videographer/editor. I am a hard ass when it comes to the language and errors in grammar, and I can say you have not made any errors in your use of the language to date! A few of your abbreviations specific to your craft did send me opening up a new page and searching for "cabbage" and "fem pops," but since Google knows my interests in all things medical, it gave me quick medical definitions. Keep up these sessions. They are invaluable to those pursuing tech positions in medicine.
Are you sure you're not an English major? 😄 Thank you for the kind words on my videos, I do strive to keep my focus on the camera lens and i'm glad it translates well on screen. You are correct in that this is a one man show in the video/editing process, all self taught over the past year or so just fooling around, glad people are enjoying the videos. Get used to the use of acronyms the medical field is just packed full of them!
Who knew? You knew! I had a double in English & Psychology 1971 Texas A&M. I think I'm going to be an OBGYN in my next life.
My husband just got handed the same thing you did from the COO, Medical Officer (one of the heart surgeons he works with currently) and CEO of the hospital he’s at here in Utah. He’s waiting for his approval from meridian now. He’s been a scrub for 19 years and has been on the cardio/vascular team for the last 7 years. We’re excited and nervous for the opportunity. Thanks for the info. It seems like it is very similar to your situation. Surgeon support, paid for his hours. We’ll see how pans out.
Great job and lesson in perseverance.
Great, informative video. I am a 27 yr veteran CST and I absolutely love it. After hearing about the CFA program, I am excited to see there is more we Techs can do to assist the surgeons. Any other tips you think of regarding suturing, sewing, knot tying, accountability, insurance......anything you want to share, please do. I know we will all appreciate it. And, thanks again.
+whumpyd that's great! I do want to make some csfa type videos at some point soon!
@@SurgicalTechTips is csfa only for those people who came from the background of military?plz tell me
@@suniaashraf5218 i dont think so... but you do need alot of experience to be a first assist.
I'm currently a Medical Assistant for a pain management Doctor. Just last week he let me observe in the O/R a couple of implant surgeries and epidural injections.
This was just so awesome, the feeling you get just being in there is unlike anything!
I have one more prerequisite class to complete before I can apply to the CST program. Keep posting your videos man! They are very educational and get me excited to become a CST and I know for sure that I will move forward to a CSFA!
How is it now?!
I’m starting surgical technologist courses but goal is First Assist
I’m thinking about enrolling in a surgical tech program for a career change. But I’m 32 and have tons of bills and a mortgage and need to work full time throughout school. Is it possible? I heard the school schedule is very demanding like nursing school and working full time (or at all) isn’t recommended. Is this true? Can you make a video on ST schooling!? :-)
Hi I was wondering if people with surgical technician certifications could become surgical assistants without an associates degree specific in surgical tech. Is a certification enough? Thank you
Wondering the same
@@moliquiawilson7464 the guy responded to me a while back he says yes.
Question. I do apologize if i missed the part pertaining to my following question but did you have to acquire a bachelors degree to be accepted into the position of a first assistant?
No
Great videos, love the cut scenes you use in your videos 😏 Whatta nerd! Love it! 👌😂
One of the best things I ever did. I enjoy being g a CSFA. I went through the Madisonville program. I’m also lucky that my hospital created a position for me once I finished it.
Currently going to Madisonville as well. Enjoying it.
Great program. Jeffrey is great. He’ll work with you. He’s patient.
Can you give me some advice about the F.A exam? I know there are three different types. How long ago was your exam?
My exam was almost 2 years ago. I downloaded the NBSTSA app and took the study exams. But honestly, the study material from the program is what helped me the most. Definitely keep all of your notes and study them well for your test.
@@samhernandez91 can you share if you’re able to do billing for the cases your on? Or is it just an hourly wage? I’m a CST in Washington state and I’ll have to move to be a CSFA but I’m looking into it
My question is...I HATE math.is there a lot of math involved ???
I’ve worked as a scrub tech in the past specifically in after hours emergency c-sections. I had ojt training because I was also a nationally registered paramedic. I ended up getting out of the medical field for the last 10 years. Medicine is in my blood and although I made much more money outside of being a medic, I really missed it. I’m really considering a cst program with the absolute intention on becoming a first assistant. I’m a cardiac guy… I’ve always wanted to be a PA in interventional cardiology but that has passed with time. I would love some advice on being a first assist with a cvor specialization. Any advice on reaching the cvor specialty? Thx in advance
There is a community college in lincoln nebraska in my homestate that offers both surgical tech 2 year schooling and a 9 month certified first assistant programs, doing both sounds really cool and can be good experience if you want to have surgery experience and also if you want to eventually go to school to become a PA or full on doctor plus the CSFA licensing would give you a pay raise I'm assuming, so I might wanna do that or I might just want to become a respiratory therapist.
This is an inspirational journey. I am an OR Nurse, and I just arrived here in US. After passing the NCLEX, I wanted to take the RN First Assist certification, but it requires me to be a CNOR and employed. As of the moment, I am not licensed yet here in my current state. So, I want to know how long does it take to be a CST for a BSN graduate?
Great videos! I have been a cst for 6 years now. Absolutely love my job. I have always wanted to go further in my schooling. I don't think CSFA's are recognize in New Jersey tho? Where are you located?
Andrea Landau They arent. They want you to be a nurse.
Not in SC, either. I'm an RN. I scrubbed, circulated and assisted. We would take turns. Some days, I may be the only RN assigned to my room, so I had to circulate. It definitely made switching call around easier.
Andrea Landau how is it
Hi there! I'm a nursing student just dying to graduate and get into an OR as fast as possible... on that note, I would love to work in the OR for two years and then move along into a RNFA program. I have a few questions! Do you think I could possibly complete a program from a different state? What is the limit of hands-on experience you get with this type of qualification? And, if you don't mind me asking, how much of a salary increase has it been for you?
Thank you for making this video. I've been skimming around for first assist information, and this helped greatly!
I did all of my schooling out of state, so it worked fine. So long that you have a local hospital that is willing to partner up with your schooling and allow you to log cases there, shouldn't be an issue. Pay varies from whether you go independent or stay working for a hospital. If you stay with a hospital, expect around a $5/hr increase from your previous pay as a nurse. You can make a lot more joining a private assisting group or going independent.
Thank you so much for your help!
I'm in a CST program and I've had so many questions on how to go from that to a CFA. Ever since I decided to do CST I've always had the intention of furthering my education and becoming a CFA. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us all!
Any update?!
@@hannahgrace7713she doesn't have an update.
interested in training for CST and later first assist. Your video was very informational as well as helpful.
I hope once I get done with my training and schooling I can be a first assistant at some point
Great channel, just ran across yours. You have a very good delivery method and can tell the enthusiasm you Have! Becoming an FA, you probably can relate to why some surgeons are stressed to the max at times.
Thanks for stopping by, and oh yes. Things can get very stressful.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💞💔
So cool news, Collin College in Texas (north of Dallas) is getting a CSFA program in the Fall. I'm currently a CST student there and plan to attend the CSFA school after the required 2 years experience.
I used to live in Addison now I’m in NY and found out about this program in Collin. Now I plan on moving back. Are CSFA used a lot in Dallas? NY only allows for PA’s.
My school starts a FA program next year. I plan after I get my CST to work a year and get as many good cases as possible and get into the FA program. Thanks for this video!
What school?!
I start the program upcoming spring!! Thanks for the inspiration ❤️
New subscriber I'm thinking about doing this than the BSN I was thinking about this seems more interesting being in the surgical room I want something exciting and fascinating intriguing and this may be it, so does this fall under associates degree in science? And do you take Nclex? Or what testing? And was it difficult Nursing is very difficult but can be done.
I’m late to this but I hope you see it, so how would my process for becoming a FA be different from yours if I’m coming from a standard BSN RN background ??
Which program will you recommend a student start with Diploma, associate degree or just a certificate than take the certification exams
Can you do a video on the difference between a regular surgical tech vs first assist?
I'm having trouble deciding which FA program to apply. Is there a difference between SA-C and CSFA? Is one better than the other? Also how much does it matter if the program is approved by ABSA or NSAA? Are they all equally good or do some provide better job offers after graduation than others?
Congratulations my story is very similar to yours the hospital I work for payed for my classes also I have been finished about a year
Hey if you don't mind me asking, was there a significant pay increase becoming a certified first assist? Around here certified surgical technologist make around $20hr, how much do you make as a csfa?
After working as a surgical tech and surgical first assistant, do you plan on continuing your education to become a physician assistant or a full fledged specialist doctor?
The classes are not rechargable he would have to start all over again.
What is your work life balance especially if you have children.
Thanks a lot for giving us your valuable insight into this field! Im starting a ST program in August. If you can remember, Any tips on how you made it through clinicals? What is the key to locking down procedures needed to be known? Most importantly, what is the day to day like for you? (when u just scrubbed primarily , from scrubbing in to setting up the next case). Thanks again for taking the time out to share, really helpful!
Aaronn Shaw my one big tip for your clinicals is to bring a small Notepad to have on hand for quick notes. Also after every day I would go home and write out everything I could remember about the procedures I did, not only the instruments used, but when, why, and where the surgeon was using them. Setting up a case is 10% of our job. The other 90% is in the cases we do. Always be eager to learn more, NEVER say "I know". Be a total sponge. As far as the day to day work, the simple version is set up a case, wait for the surgeon, do the case, breakdown, rinse and repeat.
thanks alot for your response and this channel! Much appreciated!
Do you know any websites that can help with learning instruments well?
I need to find the suturing videos . I can’t find the video showing tying knots.
Do you have to become a CST first ?
Good stuff ... Looking for a different career to jump into ... 💪🏾✊🏾👣
Is it possible to be a surgical tech and go to college? I want to be a surgeon but I also want a job in the medical field before medical school. I have probably 4-5 years til med school.
Julia C yes that is a good choice . That's what I am doing now
Davion Patterson surgical tech and going to college. Holy. Isn’t that so much stressed though?
Hello. I study at a surgical technologist program online at MedCert. It's only 18 weeks. Before I studied at the LPN program for one semester. I work at Mercy Hospital in Florida. Now it's everything online. I'm a little bit worried about clinical experience. What to do?
After becoming a CSFA, how else can I further my education? In your words, “step up” from CSFA. What recommendations do you have? I love learning and very intrigued by the profession.
Cam here to ask this too
Congrats and well deserved!! Thank you for all the great videos !!
Hi Shane can you make a video about the other surgical assistant programs like ACE, rasa and surgical skillz is it worth it ? Or is meridian the way to go ? Thanks !
I do not know much about any of the other programs, but if those programs contact me for some reason to get there word out I would be happy to do a little interview with them to inform everyone interested.
Surgical Tech Tips ok thanks Shane your the man!
Thank you for your truths. I am signing up soon. I am a traveling CST and will be taking the online course. A little premature.....any tips on studying for the exam?
So in my place of employment, we will call it a NY based ortho only elective facility connected to a major Hospital, we have what they call 2nd assists. They position,place tourniquet , dislocate joint(hip), retract, suction, cauterize instrument in surgeon hand, hold/pull, tie suture (not suture only PA/Resident/Surgeon can do that), place dressing , and assist surgeon during case with instrumentation advice and equipment advice. We also have a clinical ladder associated with the 2nd assist. We have Tech I, Tech II, and Tech III.
Tech I is anyone starting to being there 30+ yrs who haven’t applied for Tech II or III. Tech II is a Tech who has applied for Tech II position who has years of experience as well as expertise in an area. Tech III are typically 2nd assist and are techs who work 90% of the time with joint replacement surgeons and surgeries. There is no need for second assist in spine procedures there is already a PA/Fellow/Resident and ST on the case. You can be a 2nd assist if you are a Tech I or II only if you go thru a 2 week training(on the job) course. You also get an additional $2/hr for 2nd assist that day or however long you are 2nd assisting. If you are a III tho, you don’t get extra because your title and promotion comes with a significant raise. A good loophole would be to be a Tech II and second assist when needed and bank the extra $ without committing to 2nd assisting. My question to you is: Can you bill as a First assist? My second question is: Was there a significant increase in your salary from being a CST to a CFA? My third question is complicated: If I alone am moving to Florida to work in a facility while my wife remains in NYC to finish out her required years for her pension/benifits, can I get top pay for my experience? If I make 95k in NY and I want minimum, 75k in Florida, do I have a negotiating chance of getting that if I don’t take benifits (I’m under my wife in medical anyway)? What if I ask for per deium pay but work full time hours? Or ask for Travelers rates without being attached to an agency and sign a yearly contract? Would I be able to get close to 75k in Florida if I tried these things?
Hello. I’m on the fence about becoming a CST, and I was just wondering could you please answer one question for me as honest possible. WHY did you become a CST in the first place? Hopefully you come across this, and I thank you so much for all your content. It has been very informative.
Without being going into too much detail. My first inclination that I wanted to pursue a medical career started in high school when I took my first A/P class. Absolutely loved learning about the human body. Went to Nursing school and ended up dropping out because I didn't like it. The spark to join the medical field came back when I had a family member get sick, and needed open heart surgery, shortly after that I found surgical technology, went to school for it, scored a job at a hospital and worked my butt of learning as much as I could.
Surgical Tech Tips thank you very much!
I’m confused bcuz I’m doing research on a surgical first assistant but isn’t that the same as a physician assistant? Can you help me out? And also does every state recognize that. I’m in New York btw.
Would you say CSFA is harder or easier then nursing
Easier
Where did you complete your schooling? I wanted to go the traditional route and enroll in a 2 year community college to obtain an associates degree and be able to further my education by doing so at a CC. All I'm finding in my area are technical schools who's credits aren't transferable to CC's. Would you recommend focusing on an associates degree or is a certificate sufficient enough?
+Eric Ramirez when I went to school almost 10 years ago there was only one technical certificate school available in my area. It does seem that more and more schools are going the AAS route and it may be a requirement sometime in the future, that's just a guess though. Presently, I haven't heard of a hospital paying a tech more for an AAS degree vs certificate, the only real benefit would be to eventually use that degree to become a medical sales rep if that is your end game.
Hi , I know I am years late lol but I am currently in school to be a CST . However my goal is to eventually be a FA . I’ve heard people say you could not get into the program until after being a CST for atleast 5 years ? I would like to expand much faster than that , if possible . Maybe a year or two from now .would you recommend that ,with your experience ? I understand that the experience and knowing the ins and outs is crucial before becoming a FA but I would like to know if it is possible to go straight into school for a FA faster than 3 -5 years
Hellow sir I'm from india i watched many videos of your, I'm a surgical tech, i want to do work in your country .
love your vids man. how soon after becoming a cst would you apply for csa. what's your salary as a csa?-thanks
You can apply to CSFA school right after you get your CST if that is your main goal. The experience you get in the field working as a CST helps a ton in your education as an FA though and I would suggest to go full time CST for at least a year. Salary is pretty variable depending on whether you are going to stay employed at a hospital or go solo and work directly with doctors billing insurance companies. You can expect a 25-50% increase in your salary as a CST maybe more in some circumstances.
How about billing and being independent FA? And what programs available
Is it easier to go from CST to FSA? Rather then directly going to FSA program?
Can you please make a video that discusses pay and accreditation? The google results really unclear.
Hey I'm a 48 yr old Male. My roomate is a neurosurgeon resident and he knows my live for medicine. Do you think a person of my age should pursue a career as a first assist. Thanks for your advice.
what hospital do you work at.?
kanishapompy@gmail.com
I’m in the middle if I should do Law School or go For CST or CSFA or even a PA
Does Meridian accept Ncct Certification?Thank You!
I;m not sure, but i'm leaning toward no. I would contact them.
thanks great!how about RN?can a surgical tech take part in RN?asnwer please i really need that
Hello, can you recommend a book to study for surgical first assistant?
Nashville Tennessee in the house!!
Hmmmm. Ohhhh. I though to become a 1st assist. You kind of had to be like a surgeon O.o But maybe I can in the future!
Ashley Caroline it's been a great position thus far, I love working closely with some of my favorite surgeons.
You can be a Certified First Assist as a PA, OR Nurse, or Surgical Tech.
Hello I’m a senior and I want to be first surgical assistant in pediatric only and I got questions are you allow to wear white coats and will I be in pediatric
What are the major differences between CSFA and RNFA? What are the different career pathways for each? Do you recommend one pathway over the other coming from a CST background?
I live in Mississippi. How did you afford housing in Tennessee?
How much longer of schooling did you have to do? 2 more years to get your bachelors?
How things have changed. My own Professor told me that he was already certified by two boards in surgery before his professor and chairman asked him to be his first assistant. Even then he was criticized for minute aspects of his technique. As a result, he was a perfectionist.
He had his own surgical tech., who was also very impressive.
I want to apply for a surgical tech program. I wish I knew of this before. Becuase I just graduated with my associates in science earlier this spring. Will surgical tech be an additional 2 more years? The reason I want to do this so after I continue on towards becoming a PA. I want to use surgical tech as work experience to get into my the program. Ps: I am very interested in surgery :)
Hoda M You're going to have to take a surgical tech associates program. You may be able to supplement a few of the courses & transfer some of your credits over, however there will still be ST classes for specialty, clinical hours, & externships so you'll probably only shave off a few weeks worth of schooling.
How big is the pay raise? I am in CST school right now and thinking about becoming an FA really depending solely on that.
Im thinking of doing the csfa even though my hospital doesnt utilize them other than help close. (Too many residents and pa's) When you say that you can help out in recovery and icu what exactly are you able to do there.
Which school did you attend in Nashville? Thanks for sharing btw
Meridian
hey! i am now finishing my 4 years bsc programme in nursing (greece) and i just wanted to ask you can i go straight for a msc to become a csfa or i must work as a scrub nurse for some years? btw great channel ;)
You can go right into CSFA if you choose.
Is it hard to become nurse? I thought it takes 6 years total. 2 years for residency?
@@SurgicalTechTips is there a diploma or associate degree from school?plz tell me
Hi ,i am a surgical tech student in tunisia i would like to know if there is a possibility to have a training in your contry after my graduation ,by the way here in tunisia we get graduated after 3 years of training and studies
Thank you for your video! I just registered for the program! Totally terrified! But thank you!
As a First Assistant do you have to pay malpractice insurance?!!!!
Before becoming an FA, did you work with other FA's next you?
+Tiffany Pipicelli we had two FA's that helped out in robotic surgeries, and two NP's and a PA that helped in hearts. I have worked closely with all of them, and they have all assisted in my transformation into the FA world.
Thank you so much for all of these videos and answering everyone's questions! They give amazing insight into things I've been trying to find out about being a Surgical Tech.
Feel free to not answer if this is too personal, but did you get a raise when you went from CST to CSFA? And by how much? I'm really interested in surgery and want to become a surgical tech, and then possibly go into CSFA and then become an actual surgeon if that's possible. Thanks :)
So with this can you finish schooling and go straight into working in the hospital
is there a way to become a PA? from a CST OR a FA?
In order to become a PA you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and then apply to an accredited PA program. After completion of the PA program you will have to take the national cert (and possibly state cert if i'm not mistaken). Then you can call yourself a PA. Unfortunately the only way CST or FA experience will help with your path to PA is fulfilling the required experience prior to application.
Angela Torres PA programs are typically graduate programs nowadays. Due to the massive increase in people wanting to becoming PAs, the schools want you to have already worked in the medical field. Let me tell you, though- the curriculum for PA is super intense. Science based undergrad, on top of the PA program itself.
Nursing is much easier (food for thought), unless you’re talking about NP, which NP and PA are pretty much on par with each other.
Plz answer my question. .. is it very hard to find a job for surgical techs without experience..?. I live in Chicago and I would love 2 go for surgical tech . But sometimes I feel so down reading that it's so hard to find a job in this field when u dont have the experience
That goes with any job really. Sometimes it can be hard to get your foot in the door, or you may have to take a job you might not really want first thing to position yourself into what you really want in the near future. From what I have seen out in Nevada, students have not had a hard time with finding jobs right out of school.
Sir plz tell us which field we adopt after 12 class
Hi greetings from Venezuela! I'm a general surgeon in my country and I'm thinking to move on to USA. Do you think I'd me be a possibility to became surgical assistance without been tech? You think there's a chance to get the degree? Or apply to the program? Thanks
+Winston R Salcedo not sure if your credentials would transfer over. You would have to call a US based CSFA program.
I love your videos! I'm applying for the Surgical Tech program at Contra Costa Medical Career College in Antioch (Bay Area). You've said you're in California, where exactly? I live in Roseville (Sacramento area). Have you heard of Contra Costa Med Career College? And where did you go to school to become a First Assistant? Thanks!!
I am from Nevada. I do visit California often though! First Assist school was through Meridian Institute.
You went through Meridian, do you have any feedback or experience with ACE Surgical Assisting's program?
I haven't had to deal with ACE before, I replied to another question similar to this in the comments. If ACE wants to do some sort of interview video with me I would be more than happy to oblige to get more information out there.
Tell me if this is worth it. I am currently in college getting my basics done and I am currently trying to get a job as a CNA(getting into the class) and I want to do that while I am getting my basics done. After getting my basics done a want to go to school to become a surgical tech and do that for a while and maybe become a first assist but I want to get into nursing school to get a license as an RN/BSN that works in the OR. I want to do it this way to get more experience in the OR. I love watching surgeries and anything medical. I truthfully want to be a surgeon but I want to experience the OR as much as I can to make sure I can handle it or that it is truly the job for me.
If getting into the OR first just to see how you like it is your first goal, I would say get your CST first. That way once you're in the field you will have a better understanding of all of the "roles" in the OR to help make your decision of whether or not to go on to nursing school, or possibly medical school. CNA would be a waste of time because that role has nothing to do with the OR. Also if you're employed at a hospital as a CST and figure out you want to go on to get your RN, tons of hospitals have education help programs and could possibly pay for 70-100% of the additional schooling.
Surgical Tech Tips That sounds awesome! Thanks for the advice!
Not sure if you already did a vid about this, but whats the difference between a tech and a first ass. ? We dont have these thing in Sweden, we have OR-Assistant (=surgical tech i guess) And the rest are the surgeon ofc, anesthesia nurse/dr and an OR nurse.
I will have to do a video on this soon, but in short. First assistant can do everything a Surgical tech can do, but they can also perform surgery under the direction of the surgeon. Staple, suture, cut, and so on.
California doesn't use CSFAs.... :(
I’m in Los Angeles and am looking into it and I can’t find any jobs. CST pay sucks
What state do they allow you to pull vein I'm a CST in Oklahoma and they pretty much just let CSFA close sub q and skin
+anthony mueller vein harvesting can be done in any state that allows CSFA's to operate. The FA you work with has it in their scope of practice, but maybe the PA's or other assists in the heart group will not allow it and do not want to teach it.
Was schooling hard for you ?? Because I'm actually wanting to become a surgical tech.
+simply jordan schooling is always hard initially, but once you get into the groove of school work it goes smooth.